“The normalization process between Turkey and Armenia showed that political courage, genuine commitment and the wisdom to compromise can bring about remarkable results,” Swiss Federal Councilor Micheline Calmy-Rey said in the interview with Azerbaijani APA news agency.

“We encourage them not to lose the momentum and to proceed diligently with the ratification process, so that the implementation of what was agreed can rapidly start. Needless to say, we fully support this process which, we are convinced, will greatly benefit both countries, both peoples and eventually the whole region,” stated Calmy-Rey.

As to Swiss mediation in Armenia-Turkey reconciliation process, Federal Councilor underlined that the neutral position does not mean “we should just stand aside and not care about what is happening in the world.” On the contrary, “neutrality allows us to be active in such sensitive situations, where the parties involved know that we are going to do our best no matter what, in a fair and impartial manner, without any ulterior motive but to contribute to peace, stability and human security and development. This is what our humanitarian tradition and our policy of good offices are all about.”

Commenting on the interconnection of two regional processes-Armenia-Turkey rapprochement and Karabakh issue settlement, Calmy-Rey outlined that two processes are parallel and they “should both go forward as rapidly as their own respective dynamics make it possible.”

“We very much hope that the forthcoming meeting between President Aliyev and President Sargsyan will again contribute to further strengthen this positive momentum, and that an agreement on the key principles will soon be achieved,” said Swiss Federal Councilor, expressing confidence “that the positive developments between Turkey and Armenia can and will have a positive influence.”